Sunanda Sharma, a vocalist in Hindustani
classical music, is ready for the battle ahead. In a society overflowing
with western music she has to make her mark as a classical singer.
However her battle seems to be half won as she has a firm footing
in clasical music after having done her training under Padmabhushan
Dr. Girija Devi of Banaras Gharana, one of the living masters
of Hindustani classical music.
Sunanda, after learning gayaki under
Girija Devi in guru shishya parampara, has now settled in Paschim
Vihar and is determined to stand out in her chosen field. Sunanda's
initial training was under her father a renowned violinist from
Patila Gharana.
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She says, "I had a childhood fascination
for the Banaras Gharana style of classical music. While performing
at Hariballabh Samelan, Jalandhar, my guru Girija Devi heard me.
After the performance she showed her desire to teach me".
Going to Banaras she devoted eight years in mastering classical
music. Her determination proved fruitful and she soon mastered the
nuances of Hindustani Gayaki like Khayal, Tappa, Thumri, Dadra,
Hori, and Kajri.
All set to conquer the world with her
lilting voice, Sunanda glows when she gives a list of her success
stories. She was invited to the generation Y2K series music programme
in Britain where performed in Wales, Cardiff, Glasgow, London and
Birmingham. In August this year she was invited as visiting professor
to SOAS University, London. 'Indian Junior Chambers, Chandigarh',
honoured Sunanda with the 'Outstanding Young Persons Award'. She
is also an 'A' grade panel designated artist of 'Information and
Broadcasting's Song and Drama Division' of Calcutta Centre and a
panel artist for SPICMACAY.
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